Italian Uncertainty Helps Mortgage Rates The biggest influence on mortgage rates this week came from the Italian election, which reignited investor concerns about Europe and prompted a flight to safer assets. Fed Chief Bernanke continued to show strong support for the Fed’s bond buying program, which was also positive for mortgage rates. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week lower. Monday’s election in Italy showed very close results between the top three candidates, and it will be very difficult to establish a coalition government when no party has a majority. A long period of negotiations will take place, and…